Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes II, III

Foorفور

FOOR

King of Hind, of an old royal line, who defies Iskandar.

In the poem: First at D4.8, Dara Is Slain by His Chiefs; last at E2.3, Gav, Talkhand, and Chess
Named: 42 times, in 12 sections
Main stories: D5 The Iskandar Cycle (38); D4 Dara and Iskandar (3); E2 Chess, Wisdom, and the Kalila and Dimna (1)
Plates: Vol II: VII

Genealogical plate: The Houses beyond Iran — Volume II, Plate VII: The Houses beyond Iran. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

The 8 sections that name Foor most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Foor. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

D4.8

Dara Is Slain by His Chiefs

Dara appeals to Foor of Hind for help. Iskandar learns of it and attacks at once; Iran’s worn army gives way and Dara flees with three hundred riders. His counselors Janusiyar and Mahiyar judge him finished, and Janusiyar puts a khanjar through his breast.

D4.8.7
Since none remained to gather at his call,He wrote to Foor, deserted now by all.
D4.8.17
A wind-swift camel sped upon its wayTo Foor, of Foors’ descent, without delay.

Foor named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D5.12

Iskandar Leads an Army against Foor of Hind

Iskandar brings his army against Foor of Hind and dictates a letter: God gives and removes crowns, earthly days are short, and Foor should exchange his throne for a horse and seek safety, or face legions fierce as spreading fire.

D5.12.1
He brought his army near to Foor, then badeA letter full of war and strife be made.
D5.12.3
To Foor, the mighty chieftain ruling Hind,The high-starred leader of the troops of Sind.

Foor named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D5.13

Foor Answers Iskandar’s Letter

Foor answers with contempt. Dara’s fall has made Iskandar overbold; Foor is of his own royal line, sent Dara elephants and courage, and has ranks so thick they stop the wind. He warns Iskandar to sow no more seeds of greed.

D5.13.3
The envoy spoke to Foor of war, and thenOf feasts and joy, then war and strife again.
D5.13.5
Foor burned with anger when the words were read;Against the mighty Shah his anger spread.
D5.13.10
If Faylaqus once wrote to Foor this way,Then you may raise such tumult for the fray.

Foor named 5 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D5.14

Iskandar Makes Iron Steeds Filled with Naphtha

Iskandar marches through ruinous country and rebukes his complaining Romans. He musters Iranians, Khazars and Arabs, learns how Foor’s elephants throw horses, and has three thousand smiths forge a thousand iron horses and riders filled with naphtha, to be wheeled onto the field.

D5.14.1
When Foor’s defiant message was received,He chose brave men whose worth he had perceived.
D5.14.3
He marched against King Foor through India’s land,The earth seemed sea beneath his vast command.
D5.14.9
Neither the Faghfoor, Foor, nor Sind’s great kingSeeks war with you or strife that war would bring.

Foor named 5 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D5.15

Iskandar Fights the Army of Foor

The blazing iron horses panic Foor’s elephants and his army breaks. Next morning Iskandar proposes single combat; when a shout behind the lines turns Foor’s head, he strikes him dead. The Indians submit, are consoled, and Soorag is given Hind’s throne.

D5.15.1
Now as Iskandar drew toward the fight,He saw Foor’s horse and army come in sight.
D5.15.7
Thus all Foor’s troops and elephants gave way,And fled the burning engines in dismay.
D5.15.17
A rider went to Foor and cried aloud,His summons sounding far across the crowd:

Foor named 15 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D5.18

Iskandar Writes to Kaydafa, Queen of Andalus

Iskandar writes on silk demanding tribute and pointing to the fates of Dara and Foor. Kaydafa answers that her glory, troops and treasure exceed theirs, that a commander leads each hundred of her millions, and that his boasting has swollen since Dara’s death.

D5.18.11
Take Dara’s fate and Foor’s to teach you more;You need no teacher from a distant shore.”
D5.18.17
He made you triumph over Foor of Hind,And Dara, and the mighty chiefs of Sind.

Foor named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D5.21

Kaydafa Counsels Iskandar

Kaydafa reproves Iskandar for risking his life, explains the gallery of royal portraits and horoscopes by which she knows every king, and promises secrecy if he swears to spare her kin. He swears by his faith and his sword; she warns him against her son Taynush.

D5.21.3
Not by your glory fell King Foor of Hind,Or Dara, Darab’s son, or chiefs of Sind.
D5.21.31
He is the son-in-law of Foor; guard wellThat of your bond you nothing to him tell.
D5.21.33
For Foor’s revenge, his fury would be hurledTo bring the heavens down upon the world.

Foor named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D5.22

Taynush, Son of Kaydafa, Rages against Iskandar

Taynush threatens to tear off the envoy’s head in vengeance for Foor. His mother has him dragged out, then recalls him at Iskandar’s request. Iskandar offers to deliver Iskandar unarmed into an ambush; Taynush promises him a treasury. Kaydafa understands the trick and says nothing.

D5.22.7
Mourning Foor, I will tear your head away,And to the gathered troops its face display.”
D5.22.52
For valiant Foor, the pride of Hind’s domain,Whose blood Iskandar poured upon the plain.”

Foor named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

All 12 sections that name Foor